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Bank of America Selects Build Institute and the Midnight Golf Program as 2016 Neighborhood Builders Awardees
Neighborhood Builders® helps Detroit nonprofits focus on impact through leadership development and $200,000 in direct funding
Detroit – Bank of America has named Build Institute and the Midnight Golf Program as its 2016 Neighborhood Builders in Michigan. The nonprofits are being recognized for their work in improving financial lives by supporting entrepreneurship in Detroit and providing a mentoring experience that teaches financial literacy, college preparation and community activism.
For each organization, Neighborhood Builders combines $200,000 of unrestricted funding with executive leadership development training intended to help increase their capacity and impact in metro Detroit.
“Nonprofit organizations like Build Institute and the Midnight Golf Program are providing the necessary tools for entrepreneurs and students to succeed in business and school,” said Matt Elliott, Michigan market president, Bank of America. “We’re delighted to name these two organizations as partners for the Neighborhood Builders program and look forward to our work together in contributing to Detroit’s ongoing revitalization and economic growth.”
Build Institute helps individuals turn business ideas into reality by providing tools, resources and a support network in Detroit. In addition to classes, Build Institute offers networking events, mentorship and connections to resources. To date, the organization has graduated more than 700 aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs, many who have gone on to start businesses in the city.
Midnight Golf Program was designed with a clear focus on the important transition from high school to college, particularly as it pertains to first-generation college students from low- to moderate-income families. By combining a unique blend of program elements with peer and adult mentoring, Midnight Golf Program has served more than 1,700 youth and helped create life-transforming experiences for its participants.
“This is a game changer for Build Institute. To be recognized by Bank of America and be among such distinguished company is truly humbling,” said April Jones Boyle, founder and Executive Director, Build Institute. “This support will help us reach more aspiring and experienced small business owners as we further our mission to make Detroit the global leader in equitable entrepreneurship.”
With this funding, these organizations will continue their impact in the city through programs that are beneficial to both individuals and the reemergence of Detroit. For Build Institute, the funding will be used to build up the organization’s technical assistance program for entrepreneurs, allow for the hiring of an on-staff, small business advisor to offer one-on-one consulting, and provide funds for its micro-lending program. For Midnight Golf Program, the funding will help the organization implement its 30-week empowerment and mentoring program.
“We would like to thank Bank of America for selecting the Midnight Golf Program for this award. This will give us additional financial tools to better serve the young people in the city of Detroit,” said Renee Fluker, founder, Midnight Golf Program. “We also are excited about the leadership development training, and look forward to a year of learning and growing.”
Bank of America has partnered for the past eight years with a diverse group of nonprofit organizations in Detroit, ranging from those helping the homeless to small business startups, creating a broad spectrum of positive local impact.
Since 2004, through Neighborhood Builders, Bank of America has helped nonprofits create greater impact in their communities and better prepare for the future by providing the tools and resources they need to develop stronger strategic plans, chart a succession plan, navigate through tough economic times, and enhance their funding opportunities. Since the program’s inception, Bank of America has invested more than $180 million in 900 nonprofit organizations across the country, providing leadership resources to nearly 2,000 nonprofit leaders, and the program has been recognized as the nation’s largest philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership development.
Neighborhood Builders is a signature demonstration of the bank’s work to address issues fundamental to economic mobility in order to build thriving communities and illustrates how strong cross-sector partnerships and local community leaders can play a meaningful role in positioning communities for success.
About Bank of America Environmental, Social and Governance
At Bank of America, our focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors is critical to fulfilling our purpose of helping make people’s financial lives better. Our commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company. It is demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our customers, and the impact we help create around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships across sectors – including community and environmental advocate groups, as well as non-profits – in order to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.
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